The Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI) invites applications for its Summer Fellowship 2026, Research Track. This program is designed for individuals passionate about contributing to the field of AI governance through independent research, policy analysis, and collaboration with leading experts.
Applications are now open, with the deadline set for 23:59 GMT, Sunday 4 January 2026.
About GovAI
GovAI was founded to help decision-makers navigate the transition to a world shaped by advanced AI. The organization achieves this by producing rigorous research and fostering talent.
- Research impact: Publications in top venues such as Science and Nature.
- Collaborations: Close work with government, industry, and civil society leaders.
- Alumni success: Former fellows now hold influential roles in:
- Governments (US, UK, EU)
- Leading AI companies (DeepMind, OpenAI, Anthropic)
- Think tanks (CSET, RAND)
- Universities (Oxford, Cambridge)
GovAI’s expertise spans:
- Risk management and threat modelling
- Frontier AI regulation and technical governance
- Agent governance and AI economics
- International cooperation and US–China relations
- AI forecasting
Since its first research agenda in 2018, GovAI has helped define and shape the field of AI governance.
About the Fellowship
The Research Track offers fellows the opportunity to conduct independent research on a topic of their choice, supported by mentorship from GovAI experts.
Fellowship Structure
- Supervisor pairing: Each fellow is matched with a GovAI supervisor or affiliate.
- Exploration phase: First two weeks dedicated to surveying the AI governance landscape.
- Research proposal: Fellows develop a proposal with supervisor input.
- Outputs: Possible formats include:
- Reports
- White papers
- Journal articles
- Op-eds
- Blog posts
Support and Activities
GovAI provides fellows with:
- Weekly meetings with supervisors
- Guidance from Research Managers
- Professional development opportunities, including:
- Q&A sessions with AI governance experts
- Seminars and workshops
- Peer-to-peer feedback meetings
- Social events
Fellows are also encouraged to explore career opportunities within GovAI’s network.
Qualifications and Selection Criteria
GovAI welcomes applicants from diverse professional backgrounds, including government, academia, industry, and civil society.
Key Strengths Sought
- Quality of work: Ability to produce clear, insightful, and balanced research.
- Relevant expertise: Knowledge or skills useful for AI governance (e.g., public policy, political science, computer science, economics, biosecurity, cybersecurity, China studies, risk management).
- Judgement: Strong prioritization skills and realistic intuitions about research feasibility.
- Team fit:
- Openness to feedback
- Intellectual honesty and rigor
- Comfort with uncertainty
- Commitment to contributing to AI governance
Note: There are no strict degree requirements. Graduate study or professional experience is typical but not mandatory.
Salary, Duration, and Location
- Dates: 8 June – 28 August 2026
- Location: GovAI office, London, UK
- Stipend: £12,000
- Additional support:
- Travel assistance to London
- Lunch provided on weekdays
- Desk space in the office
This is a full-time, in-person role. GovAI can sponsor 3-month temporary work visas. Applicants requiring visas should note that they must remain in their country of application during processing.
Senior Candidates
GovAI recognizes that senior professionals or academics may face obstacles in joining the fellowship. For exceptional candidates, accommodations may be possible.
- Interested applicants should email recruitment@governance.ai with:
- Subject line: “senior candidate summer fellowship 2026”
- CV
- Brief explanation of required adjustments
Application Process
The selection process involves multiple stages:
- Written submission (first round).
- Automated assessment (~20 minutes).
- Paid remote work test (second round).
- Remote interview (final round).
Timeline
- Automated assessments: Shortly after submission
- Paid work tests: January 2026
- Interviews: February 2026
- Final decisions: March 2026
Applicants needing earlier decisions may request this via email, though it may not always be possible.
Encouragement to Apply
GovAI emphasizes that addressing complex AI governance challenges requires diverse skillsets and perspectives.
- Applicants from all backgrounds are welcome.
- Perfect alignment with listed qualifications is not required.
- Unique combinations of experience and motivation may be exactly what GovAI seeks.
The Summer Fellowship 2026, Research Track is a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the future of AI governance. With mentorship, structured support, and access to a global network, fellows will be positioned to make lasting impacts in academia, policy, and industry.
If GovAI’s mission excites you, apply now and join a community dedicated to shaping the responsible governance of advanced AI.
